Before They Were Famous: In Their Own Words (Paperback)

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Editorial Reviews

Review

Between 1987 and 1993, photographer and author Karen Bystedt photographed, interviewed and befriended many young, unknown and struggling actors and actresses she felt were on the verge of successful careers. The result is Before They Were Famous: In Their Own Words, an incredible collection of exclusive photos and never-before-seen interviews with some of today's biggest stars, done years before they were famous. Included in the revealing book are such stars as Johnny Depp, Keanu Reeves, David Cuchovny, Jason Priestley, Melanie Griffith, Christian Slater, Neve Campbell, Courteney Cox, Brad Pitt, Robert Downey Jr. , Sandra Bullock, Laurence Fishburne, and many others. Before They Were Famous is "must" reading for all fans of today's young film stars. -- Midwest Book Review

Product Description

Brad Pitt, Courtney Cox, Sandra Bullock, Johnny Depp, Christian Slater, Laurence Fishburn, Melanie Griffith, Mary Stuart Masterson, Stephen Baldwin and many others were photographed between 1987 and 1993 by Karen Hardy Bystedt. She interviewed and befriended many unknown actors she felt were on the verge of successful careers--she was right! 100 color and b&w photos.

Product Details

• Paperback: 159 pages
• Publisher: Stoddart (November 1996)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1575440075
• ISBN-13: 978-1575440071
• Product Dimensions: 10.8 x 9 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,967,856 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars informative and entertaining, July 25, 2000

By	Alejandra Vernon "artist & illustrator" (Long Beach, California) - See all my reviews (TOP 50 REVIEWER)    (COMMUNITY FORUM 04)

This unique and fascinating book by Bystedt, who was so perceptive to interview these actors at the start of their careers, makes for terrific reading. Keanu Reeves , who at 23 gives the impression of being a bundle of unsettled energy, with intelligence and a marvelous sense of humor...Brad Pitt, hilarious and quite down to earth at 24, the same age as a profound and thoughtful Johnny Depp. The exquisitely beautiful Alfre Woodard, so wise at 33, a perplexing Robert Downey Jr. at 22. There's a total of 24 interviews, and the photographs are fabulous. The ones of Reeves, Depp, and Jason Priestly are simply awesome ! This book is a glimpse into what makes some actors break forth and get known, while so many others fail. A lot of these future stars seem to have hard work (and the love of it) in common, as well as quick minds and curiosity.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent photo-biography!, July 26, 2000

By	Nettie "Nettie" (London) - See all my reviews

Ms Bystedt has a great feel for bringing out the personality of her subjects with great flair and originality. For example, her profile of KEANU REEVES is honest and down to earth and allows his wonderful uniqueness (there is only One, 'the One') to shine thru.

I like the way she gets to know her 'subjects' both with the camera and in person as they reveal their future hopes and fears...

Nowadays these people really ARE famous in their own right and Ms Bystedt, I feel, has played a part from the outset in helping them evolve to the Superstars they are today!

A great read! A++